Project by Vicki Payne. Create a sun catcher by attaching a hook instead of the brass stake.Materials
8" x 8" red glass
large black glass nugget
36" of 1/4" brass rod for stand
14-gauge copper wire
6" of 1/8" U lead came
50/50 solder
black glass paint
small brush handle
basic glass tools
needle nose pliers
homosote work board
pushpins
Steps:1. Print two copies of the pattern in figure A; cut apart the pieces of one copy (figure B).
2. Cut out the glass pieces to match the pattern pieces (figure C).
3. This project is put together like a copper foil project only using U shaped lead came instead of foil to wrap around each individual piece. Wrap each piece of red glass and the nugget in U came (figure D).
4. Lay the uncut copy of your pattern on a homosote work board. Place each wrapped piece on top of your pattern and hold in place with pushpins (figure E).
5. Solder together each lead joint (figure F). It may be necessary to add additional solder along some seams to provide additional support; then solder the joints and any intersections of lead came.
6. Solder 2-inch pieces of wire to the sides of the ladybug to form legs. Bend to shape.
7. Make the antennae by forming small loops at the two ends of a 4-inch-long piece of wire and fill the loops with solder. Then bend the wire in half and attach to the top of the black nugget.
8. Dip the end of a small brush handle into black glass paint and touch to the glass surface to make the ladybug's dots (figure G). Let dry.
9. While the paint dries, take a 36-inch piece of brass rod and bend the end over about 1 inch to form a right angle. Attach this end to the back of the ladybug by soldering it firmly to the lead came face. Dont be shy with the solder; you want this connection to be really strong.